SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The city of Spokane Valley has requested $125,000 from their Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to help offset some of the operating costs for the course in 2027. The funding request comes as the venue works to establish itself as a sports tourism destination that city leaders believe could bring significant economic benefits to the region.
The cross country course booked 14 events during 2026, which falls below the venue’s event capacity for a single year. This lower-than-expected booking rate has made it challenging for the city to keep pace with the course’s maintenance expenses, which are projected to reach approximately $300,000 in 2027.
Despite the current operational challenges, city officials remain optimistic about the venue’s long-term potential. Spokane Valley Mayor Laura Padden said the course could generate substantial economic returns for the community.
“The total impact will be in the millions of dollars,” Padden said. “I think they are projecting 10 million dollars for the first year for the total economic impact in the area. Now that doesn’t come directly to the city or to the hoteliers, but it impacts everyone in a positive way. The retail sales, the hotels, the restaurants, and our income stream as well.”
The $125,000 funding request represents a strategic investment in the course’s future. Importantly, none of the requested funds will come from taxpayers. Instead, all $125,000 will be drawn from lodging taxes paid by local hotels, which are specifically designated for tourism development and promotion initiatives.
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